The 43rd annual Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) kicks off this week: here are the Irish productions you need to keep on your radar.
Seven Irish productions have been selected to show at the illustrious Canadian festival, which begins on September 6.
The titles have been selected across the Special Presentations, Discovery, and Contemporary World Cinema categories.
Some of the projects, such as “The Dig” were developed through arts funding initiatives (like the Northern Ireland Screen's New Talent Focus scheme).
Written by Belfast-native Stuart Drennan, “The Dig” is filmed on the rural Antrim boglands and follows the story of a man released from prison after serving 15 years for murder. Upon release, Callahan (played by Moe Dunford) finds the deceased’s father (played by Lorcan Cranitch) still searching for his son’s body. The highly anticipated movie already won "Best Irish Feature" at the Galway Film Fleadh.
"Float Like A Butterfly" is a coming-of-age story about 15-year-old Frances, who yearns to pursue boxing despite being told she isn't up to scratch. Filmed in West Cork, the movie is already drawing comparisons to "Billy Elliot" because of its portrayal of gender stereotypes and social norms.
Meanwhile, for “Greta”, Academy Award-winning Irish director Neil Jordan brought together a star-studded cast which includes Isabelle Huppert, Stephen Rea, and Chloe Grace Moretz. The thriller which combines gritty New York with the streets of Dublin. Emmy Award-winning costume designer Joan Bergin and Oscar-nominated cinematographer Seamus McGarvey also form the team.
Read More: Michael Collins director Neil Jordan donates archives to National Library of Ireland
John Butler, the Irish IFTA Award-nominated film director behind "The Stag" and "Handsome Devil," is preparing to win over audiences with his latest flick, "Papi Chulo". The film focuses on a Los Angeles-based fledgling TV weatherman who strikes up an unlikely 'bromance' with a Latino migrant worker, whom he pays to be his friend. Starring Matt Bomer and Alejandro Pation, this movie is produced by Rebecca O'Flanagan and supported by Screen Ireland.
Yes, you heard correctly! After the World Premiere at Toronto International Film Festival, PAPI CHULO will screen at LFF 2018! Don't miss out - tickets go on sale on the 13th of September! @mrjohnbutler @MattBomer #AlejandroPatiño @ScreenIreland #premiere @BFI #LFF #LFF2018 pic.twitter.com/ITmJIVR6EO
— Bankside Films (@BanksideFilms) August 30, 2018
"Vita & Virginia" is another Irish/UK creative co-production, combining the talents of British director Chanya Button and Irish producer Katie Holly. The picture tells the true story of literary icon Virginia Wolfe and her illicit love affair with socialite Vita Sackville West in 1920s London.
As for the most talked about Irish production of the year? It's finally time for a North American audience to see "Black 47." The Great Irish Famine biopic brings together a stellar cast including Stephen Rea, Jim Broadbent, Moe Dunford, Barry Keoghan, and Sarah Greene. The much buzzed about picture had its world premiere at the Berlin Film Festival in February this year and has been shown to small audiences at film festivals in Dublin, Belfast, and Galway.
The film has already been receiving rave reviews.
Read More: "Black 47" famine film is a must-see so we can end Great Hunger amnesia
Read More: "Black 47" is an important watch for Irish Americans who value their history and heritage
Also starring Moe Dunford and Sarah Greene (who have evidently had a busy year!) is the movie "Rosie". From the vivid imagination of writers, Paddy and Roddy Doyle (the latter of "The Snapper" and "The Commitments" fame) comes a tale of a young family who loses their home during the Irish housing crisis.
Which of these movies are you most looking forward to seeing?
Comments